New Pope’s Lavish Robes Spark Buzz Across Social Media
New Pope’s Opulent Attire Sparks Reactions Online
Pope Leo XIV welcomed crowds in opulent, gold-studded attire after being elected as the new head of the Catholic Church.
When contrasted to the clothing worn by the late Pope Francis at the beginning of his pontificate, some internet users expressed disapproval of his appearance.
When he was first appointed pope, Pope Leo XIV, whose real name was Robert Francis Prevost, wore unusual clothing.
The newly chosen pope initially greeted the world on the main central loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, 2025, following the conclusion of the conclave.
He was chosen as the new pope by other cardinals at the Vatican on the same day. He was very close to his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, and is the first pope from the United States.
In addition to being the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, he was a missionary in Peru for many years.
The new pope, accompanied by two companions, made his public debut under the papal name Leo XIV.
Standing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, wearing pink, white, maroon, and gold clothing and jewels, he waved and grinned.
His colorful clothing was in stark contrast to Pope Francis’s simple white vestments when he made his first appearance on the same balcony in Vatican City on March 13, 2013.
Francis, then known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, had recently been elected as the 266th pope.
Many internet users had passionate reactions when a video of Leo XIV saying his first prayer as pope appeared. “Gold jewelry,” said one user. Robes of gold. Wonderful chapels. idolatry. Jesus was against almost everything. The irony.
One observer remarked, “It will be hard to be better than Pope Francis,” comparing Francis’ 2013 papal garb with Leo XIV’s 2025 appearance. I hope the gold doesn’t indicate a return to the past.
Pope Francis’s simplicity was encouraging and infectious.
“From simplicity and modesty to gold embroidered frock,” said another reviewer, and “What is up with all that gold. [sic]” asked a user.
A other netizen, on the other hand, presented a more optimistic viewpoint: “Traditional vestments are an improvement,” and another wondered rhetorically, “Can we all be Gods [sic] children?” Love and respect.
One internet user posted, “Ooh RIP pope Francis he was a humble pope from the onset. [sic]” while many people continued to lament his passing.
As one person wrote, “Pope Leo XIV looks like a wonderful man!!” others, however, praised the new pope.
Someone else said, “He’s got some big shoes to fill, hopefully [sic] he’ll be just as good as Pope Francis was.”
Public responses to Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration demonstrate how presentation and symbolism continue to have a significant influence on how people view leadership.
The disparity in papal styles provides a chance to consider tradition, change, and the principles that appeal to contemporary believers as the Church embarks on a new era.
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Why the new American Pope has chosen the name Leo
Today the Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment when white smoke flared up in the Sidget Chapel’s chimney, which meant that the choice of a new pope had been made.
Cardinals made their swift and unanimous decision as the next Pope by electing 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, USA, to replace Pope Francis, making him the 267th pontiff, and first American to ever hold the position.
He announced the name he would wear in his papacy just a few weeks after his election: Pope Leo XIV.
Although the election of a new pope always attracts the whole world’s attention, the election of a papal name is a heavy symbolic burden that illuminates the values, purpose, and plan for the Church of the new pontiff.
For Pope Leo XIV, the choice to assume the name “Leo” is based in custom and respect, and maybe also in a message of strength and fortitude in problematic times.
Pope Leo’s ascent to the papacy has known humility and dedication and he was born in Chicago. Ordained at barely 27 years old, he served many of his early years abroad, as a missionary in Peru, steeped in mission to the poor and marginalized.
He has been a staunch advocate for greater awareness of the poverty of migrants and global poor, receiving enthusiastic support from Pope Francis, according to close friends and fellow workers.
Even though he has only emerged as a cardinal in 2023, it is the time, over the years, he has dedicated to humanitarian causes and his hatred for power for its sake which leaves an impression.
In one of his interviews, he said “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom”; he saying closely resembles his reputation for simplicity and service.
“The name, “Leo”, is one of the most storied names in papal history. It was selected by thirteen former popes and Pope Leo XIV the fourteenth.
Together with Leo XIII they are distinguished by their intellectual leadership and by building the foundations of the modern welfare teaching of the Catholic Church.
His 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum dealt with the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers and determined the direction of the Church’s involvement in economic and social issues.
With current global crises (economic inequality, climate crisis, millions displaced) Pope Leo XIV’s name might be one such call of social justice, moral clarity, spiritual leadership during such upheavals.
The practice of popes taking new names is an ancient one (thanks to tradition), but it is not a requirement, but rather an established habit. The Vatican makes the point that this action represents rebirth in to a new spiritual identity and mission.
Formerly, in name changes of some early popes was a search to rub out partialities to pagan ties but today, unlike names of former popes, to cite some examples, were named after their predecessors or saints they would like to represent or follow.
Pope Leo XIV makes the decision to use “Leo” not only as a statement of his allegiance to a line of notable predecessors in firmness and theological integrity but as words that identify him with the great struggles of Church fathers who sought to preserve the unity of the church.
It is a name that carries within it the thank of courage, of intellect, of facing the trials of world that the native accepts in hard head. He is making this decision amid a clamour by many from within the Church and outside for rock-solid moral leadership, and return to meaning.
His immediate predecessor broke with tradition when he selected a name, which has never been used by a pontiff before. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he chose the name “Francis” as an homage to St. Francis of Assisi, a man that he himself followed in so far as humbly serving the poor and the environment.
That unparalleled decision establishes a tone for a papacy marked by outreach and reform and we do not yet know how Pope Leo XIV will proceed, progress or transcend that legacy.
Some of the most poplarly used papal names through history are John, Benedict and Gregory, with Clement and Leo coming in hot pursuit. This resurrection of these names testifies to the strong legacies of which previous popes have left and the ancient inspiration they offer.
Choosing “Leo,” this new pope enters the intellectual indomitable and the moral leadership that various parts of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics—and thousands more—might find looking to in hope when it is his term that dawns.
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Pope Francis Issues Emotional Final Message Before His Death at 88
Pope Francis touched millions of people worldwide with his unrelenting plea for peace, compassion, and freedom in a personal Easter letter he sent out only one day before his death,
marking a profoundly affecting end to his pontificate. In what would soon be known as his last speech, the 88-year-old Pontiff made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the famous balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
A Last Presence Signified by Humanity and Hope
Even though he was clearly weak, Pope Francis stood in front of thousands of worshippers in Vatican City on Easter morning, speaking through an assistant who read his speech in his place.
The Pope pleaded for international solidarity, respect, and a truce in war areas in what has now become a moving farewell speech that cut across national and political boundaries.
The Pope’s speech opened with the words, “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression.” This served as a sobering reminder of the principles he had fought for his entire life.
Calling for Peace and Denouncing War
Pope Francis did not hesitate to address the suffering and unrest experienced worldwide, in keeping with his reputation as a world mediator.
He specifically brought up the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the suffering of Christians and defenseless civilians as a result of the conflict.
He bemoaned, “We see in the numerous conflicts raging in different parts of the world a great thirst for death, for killing.”
In his message, he urged international leaders to “call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace,” expressing profound sorrow for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Pope urged all sides to work relentlessly toward a “just and lasting peace,” expressing worry not just about the Middle East but also about the protracted conflict in Ukraine.
A Life of Charity and Service
Pope Francis’ death was certified by the Vatican at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025, just one day later. After a protracted illness that included 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to complications from double pneumonia and bronchitis, he passed away. During this period, he was also reportedly diagnosed with kidney problems.
In a heartfelt message, Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the Pope’s death on behalf of the Vatican:
Francis, the Roman bishop, arrived back at the Father’s house at 7:35 this morning. He devoted his entire life to serving the Lord and his church.
He instructed us to uphold the principles of the gospel with integrity, bravery, and love for all people, particularly the most vulnerable and impoverished.
“We commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Triune,” he said in closing, offering a heartfelt farewell.
International Mourning and a Church in Transition In the immediate wake of the news, tributes from all around the world started to stream in, including a moving statement from King Charles III, who acknowledged Pope Francis as a “beacon of moral leadership in a time of deep uncertainty.”
In accordance with custom, the Catholic Church will now observe novemdiales, a nine-day period of mourning during which the late pope will be remembered with masses and prayers.
After this, the College of Cardinals will elect the next head of the Roman Catholic Church in a solemn ceremony known as the papal conclave.
The conclave, which is anticipated to start 15 days after the Pope’s passing, will allow 138 of the 252 Catholic cardinals in the globe to cast ballots.
A Heritage Rooted on Humility and Mercy
Pope Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope. He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Since being elected in 2013, he has developed into a strong voice for the underprivileged, an advocate for interfaith understanding, and a persistent supporter of economic equality and climate justice.
His parting speech, which is full of love, care, and a call for peace, is a fitting homage to a life characterized by compassion and humility.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of mercy, bravery, and unwavering hope for peace that is not only enshrined in doctrine but also carved into the hearts of the faithful as the world grieves the death of one of its most significant spiritual leaders.
